President’s 2006 Budget Boosts Library Funding
Despite a plan to cut non-defense and non–homeland security spending by nearly 1%, President Bush’s proposed 2006 budget, released February 7, increases funding for library programs at the Institute of Museum and Library Services to $221.3 million—an increase of more than $15 million over FY 2005.
That total includes $170.5 million for state grants, an increase of $9.8 million; $14 million for the National Leadership Grants for Libraries; $26 million for the Librarians for the 21st Century recruitment program; and $3.7 million for the Native American Library Services program.
“Given the current political environment—large deficits, limited resources, and many competing interests—libraries are thankful to see an increase in funding,” said ALA Washington Office Executive Director Emily Sheketoff.
“This budget underscores the Bush Administration’s continued solid support for libraries and museums in the United States,” said IMLS Director Robert Martin, noting the strong backing for the Librarians for the 21st Century program.
Sheketoff also praised the $19.7 million requested for Improving Literacy Through School Libraries program, which was the same level proposed for FY 2005 and slightly below that of 2004. “The funding for this program will help school libraries purchase desperately needed books, fund new technology, and encourage professional development,” Sheketoff said. “These activities are essential, especially at a time when libraries across the country are being called upon to deliver more crucial services to their communities.”
In other areas, the president’s budget would cut education funding by $530 million and would cut or eliminate more than 150 programs, including 48 education programs such as Even Start and Enhancing Education Through Technology, the Washington Office reported.
Posted February 11, 2005.
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